Buttoning-machine.



L. FARNUM.

BUTTONING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MAR. H, |913.

Patented Dec. 12, 1916.

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4 SHEETS-SHEET 2 L. FARNUM. BUTTONING MACHINE. APPLICATION man MAR. 11. 191s.

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BUTTONING MACHINE. APPLlcATIoN msn MAR. u, 1913.

Patented Dec. 12, 1916.

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Ls FARNUM. BUTTONING MACHINE. `APPLICATmN FILED MAn.1|,|913.

Patented Dec. 12, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4 /A/J/f/Vmfa LEROY FARNUIVI, OF SW'AIVLPSCGT, MASSACHUSETTS,

MACHINERY COIVIANY, GE ?ATEESG1\T JERSEY.

ASSIGNR TO NTED SHOE Nll JERSEY, t CORPORATN Ol? NEW BUTTNING-MACHINE.

Application filed March l1, 1913.

To ZZ ill/wm it may concern lle it known that l, Linzer FARNUM, a citizen. of the United States, residing at Swampscott, in the county cflssex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain improvements in Buttcning-ldachines, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is aspecificaticn, like reference characters cn the drawings indicating like parts in the several figures.

rfhis invention relates to buttoning machines.

lt is the broad object of the invention to devise a machine that will perform buttoning operations rapidly, without liability .of injuring the work and in a generally satisn factory manner.

lt is a further object of the invention to devise a machine of this character that will be simple in construction and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

For purposes of explanation the invention will be herein disclosed as embodied in a machine for buttcning the uppers of shoes. ln the manufacture of button shces it is the usual practice to button several of the lowermcst buttons of the upper before the assembling and lasting operations in order tc fa cilitate the proper lasting of the shoe and to insure the correct positioning of the button piece and buttonhole fly in the finished shoe. This buttoning operation is at the present time performed almost universally by hand operators with the aid of common button hooks.

A more specific object of this invention therefore is to devise a machine that will perform satisfactorily this buttoning operation on the uppers cf shoes.

lt is customary to button only the buttons on the instep portion of the upper prior tc the lasting operation and the number of but-- tons cn this part of the shoe usually varies from three tc seven depending cn the size and pattern of the upper. Accordingly, in the embodiment of this invention hereinafter to be described in detail, the machine is designed to perform simultaneously the required number of complete buttcning operations necessary tc prepare an upper for the assembling and lasting operations. ln other words, the machine is of the gang type. lt should be understood, howevef2 that the in- Speccaton of Letters Patent.

Patented Bec., t2, Milt.

semi no. 755,522.

vention is not limited to a` machine of this type but that many of its features are equally applicable to a machine of the step by step type.

ein important feature of this invention resides in means for manipulating` the button to present it edgewise to the buttcnhole in the buttoning operation. By this arrangement the machine is enabled tc effect the relative passage of the button head through the butt-cnhole with less stretching of the buttonhole and,vconsequently, with less liability cf tearing the buttonhole fiy and less distortion of the upper than otherwise would be possible.

@ther features of the invention will be readily understood from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims. lt is to be understood, however, that while this specification describes a machine adapted particularly for buttoning shoes, this description is given by way of illustration rather than limitation and tiat many of the features of the invention are applicable tc machines designed for opera-ting cn other classes cf work.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a view in front elevation of a buttoning machine embodying this invention in its preferred form, parts of the frame being broken away in order to show more clearly certain details of construction; Fig. 2 is a, vertical sectional view on the plane indicated by the line 2--2l in Fig. l; 3 is a plan view of the machine shown in Fig. l with the cover of the machine cut away; Fig. 1l is a perspective view showing the detailed construction of the parts that operate on a button and buttcnhole to perform a buttoning operation; and Figs. 5 to 14 inclusive are a series of plan views, partly in section, of one set of buttoning instrumentalities showing the parts in the successive positions that they occupy in one complete cycle cf operations.

The operating parts of the machine are contained in and supported by a frame 2 having an open tcp that is normally closed by a cover 1l, this cover being pivoted at 6 to enable it to swing backwardly to expose the operating mechanism.

`and in contact with each other.

The machine comprises a plurality of sets of operating instrumentalities, each set being constructed to effect that relative movement of a button and a buttonhole fly that is commonly -termed a buttoning operation. ln the illustrated machine seven such sets are employed since this is the maximum number of buttons that usually are buttoned on a shoe prior to the assembling` and lasting operations. Each of these sets of operating instrumentalities includes a frame member 8 which supports the other parts of the set, and all the frame members of the series are mounted for sliding movement toward and from each other on four stationary rods 10, 11, 12 and 13 that extend transversely or" the machine frame 2 and are supported in its side walls. Since the several sets are subs stantially duplicates with the exception of some slight diiferences in the adjacent frames, to which reference will be made later, it is necessary to give a detailed description of one set only.

Each set consists of a buttoning means and a work receiving means in which the work is initiallyy arranged for its presentation to the buttoning means. Considering first the buttoning means and referring particularly to Figs. 2 and 4 to 14 of the drawings, it will be seen that the frame member 8 has a pair of depending lugs in which is loosely supported a horizontal tubular sleeve 14. A second sleeve 16 telescopes within the sleeve 14 and these two sleeves constitute supports for a pair ot thin spring tongs 18, the two tong members being secured'by screws 20 to the forward ends of the respective sleeves. The tongs extend forwardly from the machine in a horizontal plane and have shank portions that are bent toward each other suiiiciently to overlap at a point a short distance in ,front of the ends of the supports 14 and l16; and from this overlapping point the tongs bend slightly away from each other again and extend forwardly to form button positioning or holding portions that normally lie side by side Each of these button holding portions is apertured as best shown at 22 (Fig. 4), each aperture being shaped to admit the side or edge of a button head so that, when the tongs are spread apart and a button is inserted between them with its head in an inclined or vertical plane, the tongs will embrace opposite sides of the button head and through their spring action will hold the button between them. The tongs normally are closed as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, andV in this position they may readily enter a buttonhole and support the buttonhole fly, the button fly being positioned on the shank portions of the tongs back of the button holding portions. In order to spread the tongs apart for the reception of the button head, a

spreader 24 is mounted between the converging shank portions of the tongs and is supported by a rod 26 that slides or telescopes within the tong supporting sleeve 16. T his spreader is beveled suitably for engagement with the tongs so that, by moving forward with relation to them, its contact with their converging shank portions will result in wedging the tongs apart as indicated in Figs. G to 13.

The buttoning means also includes a buttonhole ily engaging member 28 having a horizontal shank portion that is adjustably secured in the frame 8 by means of a set screw 30 and a depending finger portion located at one side of and close to the tongs 1S in position to bear against the buttonhole fly during the buttoning operation.

The work receiving means comprises a button holding hook 32 positioned in front of and in alinement with the buttonin g means, and this hook has a shank which is bent backwardly and is secured to the torward end of a plunger 34 that is mounted to slide in a bore formed in the frame member 8 above and parallel with the tong support 14. A coiled spring 3G positioned within the bore encircles a reduced extension ol the plunger and operates to hold the plunger yieldingly at the extreme limit ot its forward movement, the extent or limit of this movement being determined by a pair ot lock nuts 38 threaded on the reduced portion of the plunger where it projects through the rearward end of the frame memn ber S. Any turning movement of the plunger in its bore is prevented by a set screw l0 threaded through the frame member and entering a longitudinal groove iormed in the plunger. Adjustment of the button receiving hook 32 relatively to the tongs 18 is permitted by bending the end of the shank portion of the hook into the form of' a loop an d securing this loop to the end of the plunger 34 by means of a screw l2 having its head bearing on both sides of the loop.

The supports 14, 16 and 26 for the tongs and spreader are arranged 'for longitudinal movement independently of each other; and in order to cause all the sets ol. buttoniug instrumentalities to operate simultaneously, the like supports of all the sets are connected together for common movement. For this purpose each of the supports 14 has a clamp 44 iixed thereto near its rearward end and these clamps are all slidingly mounted on a rod 46 that extends transversely of the machine and has its ends supported in the arms of a yoke 48. This yoke slides longitudinally of the machine on a stationary bar 50, that extends longitudinally through the center of the machine frame, and on guide,- ways 52 formed on opposite walls (if the machine frame 2 and extending parallel to the bar 50. Motion is imparted to this yoke by means of a roll 54 journaled thereon and running in a cam way 56 cut in the surface of a barrel cam 58, this cam being loosely mounted for rotation on a shaft 6() that is journaled in the lower part of the machine frame. l'n like manner the tong supports 16 of the several sets are each provided with a clamp 61 slidingly mounted on a transverse rod 62 which is supported by the arms of a yoke 64 mounted on the guideways 52 and bar and carrying a cam roll 65 running in a cam groove 66 in the cani 58. rlhe ilnnger supports 2G also each have a clamp 67 similar to the clamps 44, the clamps 67 being adjustably mounted on a transverse rod 68 supported in the arms of a yoke 70 that slides on the bar 50 and guideways and carries a roll 71 engaging a cam way 72 in the barrel cam 58. For manufacturing convenience the cam 58 may be made in three sections with one cam way in each section.

By causing the cam 58 to make a single revolution, the yokes 48, 64 and T0 will be moved on the guideways 52 and bar 50 in accordance with the designs of the respective cam ways 56, 66 and 72 and the motion thus imparted to the yokes will be transmitted through the rods 46, 62 and 68 to the respective sets of tong and spreader supports 14,

16 and 26 causing the like supports to move simultaneously. The cam 58 may be driven through any suitable form of single revolution clutch, as for instance one of the type well known in shoe machinery as the Davey clutch, or a similar form known as the Horton clutch. ln the arrangement shown the driving shaft 74, which is journaled in the machine frame, has a pulley 7 6 fas-t thereon to which power may be supplied from any suitable source; and this shaft carries a worm 7 8 meshing with a worm gear 80 that is pinned to and drives the shaft 60. The drawings, and more especially Fig. 2, show a clutch of the Davey type interposed between the shaft and the cam 58. rllhis clutch normally holds the cam 58 stationary in a predetermined position but through connections with a treadle 82 (Fig. 1) it may be operated to cause the cam to make a single revolution and then to stop again in saidposition. inasmuch as the specific construction of this clutch forms no part of the present invention, a detailed descrip tion of it is unnecessary. A ball thrust bearing 84 is mounted between the end of the cam 58 opposite the clutch and the bearing for the shaft 60 to eliminate excessive friction, which otherwise might be caused by the thrust of the clutch mechanism.

The operations-performed by each set of operating instrumentalities upon the rotation of the cam 58 will be best understood by referring to Figs. 4 to 14 inclusive. The w'ork first is placed in the machine in the manner indicated in Fig. 2, with the tongs 18 entering and positioning the buttonhole for the buttoning operation and the eye of the button slipped into the inclined opening of the button receiving hook 82 where it is held by gravity with the plane of the button head approximately vertical or slightly inclined. rlhe work being properly placed in the machine the treadle 82 next is depressed tripping the clutch mechanism and causing the rotation of the cam 58 to tongs both begin to move forwardly toward i the button that is held in the hook 82; and this movement of the several parts continues until the tongs have arrived in the position in which they are shown in Fig. 7, where they are spread apart to their maximum extent and lie at opposite sides of the button head. rlhe spreader 24 then begins to withdraw; whereupon the tongs spring toward each other as rapidly as the spreader per mits, and grasp the button with the sides of the button head entering the apertures in the button holding portions of the tongs. ln this position the button is firmly held between the tongs, each side of the button head being embraced by one of the tongs. (See Fig. 8).

After the spreader 24 has completed its retracting movement, the outside sleeve or tong support 14 begins to move backward relatively to the other tong support 16, thus withdrawing one tong relatively to the other and causing the tongs to tip the button somewhat as indicated in Fig. 9. While the tongs hold the button in its tipped position both tongs 18 and the spreader are moved backwardly together causing them to withdraw from the buttonhole and to carry the button head edgewise into the buttonhole. The finger 28 remains stationary during this operation and supports the buttonhole fly adjacent te one edge of the buttonhole against the drag exerted on the fly by the button head. rllhe edge of the button adjacent to the finger 28 enters the buttonhole first and the finger 28 presses the material at this edge of the buttonhole under the button head while the material at the other edge of the buttonhole is being bent slightly backward by the drag or `pressure of the other side of the butt-on head. relative positions of the parts at this step in the operation are indicated approximately in Fig. 10. The buttoning operation is now substantially complete so far as one side of the button head is concerned and the but.-

ton is neXt given a tipping movement op- Dosite to the direction of the first tipping movement to carry the other edge of the button past the edge of the buttonhole. This movement is effected by moving the inner sleeve or tong support 16 backward relatively to the outer sleeve 14, the spreader 24C also being moved back to avoid spreading the tongs at this time. This movement tips the button head entirely through the buttonhole,V trees the sides of the button head from contact with the edges of the buttenhole and straightens the button, leaving the parts in substantially the positions indicated in Fig. 11. It should be noted that during the entire operation just described the Vbutton receiving hook 32 maintains its initial engagement with the work but moves backwardly with the tongs 'as they carry the button through the buttonhole, the yielding mounting for the hook supporting plunger 34 permitting this movement. Since the button receivinOl hook 32 is open for the entrance or removal of the button in a direction transverse to the direction of the withdrawing movement of the tongs, their action on the button has no tendency to release the button from the hold of the hook.

. The button head has now been drawn entirely through the buttonhole and the next step is to tree the button from the buttoning mechanism. This operation is eliected by advancing the spreader 24 relatively to the tongs 18, thus spreading the tongs apart and causing them to release the button, (see Fig. 12), whereupon the spring 36 immediately forces the button hook supporting plunger forward causing the hook to carry the work away from the tongs (see F10'. 18 Uaon the withdrawal of the spreader to its retracted position, all the parts are again placed in their initial positions ready for the next buttoning operation. rllhe work is removed from the machine by a movement opposite to the inserting movement, that is, by lifting'it upwardly in a direction inclined toward the left ont of the button receiving hook 32 and then droppingy it away from the hook. It will Vbe understood, et course, that the movements ot the tong supports 1-1- and 16 and of the spreader support 26 and the consequent movements ot the parts carried by these supports, are controlled by the designs of the respective cam ways 56, 66 and 72.

An important advantage of tipping the button to present it edgewise te the buttonhole in the manner above described is that it avoids spreading the buttonhole as much as otherwise would be necessary in the buttoning operation, and thus avoids possible damage to the buttonhole ly and the introduction of wrinkles into the stock that would holes varies on diil'erent sizes and patterns of uppers and it is for the purpose of enabling the sets oi operating instrumentalities to be adjusted in accordance with this spacing that they have been mounted for movement toward and from each other on the rods 10 to 13 inclusive as above described. rlhis adjustment of the sets is eliected by mea ns oi' a lazy-tongs mechanism 8S (see Figs. 2 and 3) that is arranged below the supporting trames S and has its series of middle pivots connected respectively to the frame members S. The lazy-tongs mechanism is operated by means ot a rod 92 which extends loosely through the entire series of trame members S and is journaled in the walls ot the machine frame 2, this member being provided near its opposite ends with right and left hand threaded portions 98 and 9a, respectively, that have threaded engagement with the two outside members 8 of the series. @ne end of the rod is provided with a handle 96 by means of which it may7 be turned conveniently. It will be evident that, when the rod 92 is turned, the two outside members S will be moved toward or from each other depending upon the direction of this turning movement, and through the contraction or expansion of the lazy-tongs mechanism produced in this manner, this adjusting movement will be transmitted to all the other members 8 of the series with the exception of the middle member which will remain stationary. 'lhis arrangement also serves to hold the several sets of buttoning instrumentalities in adjusted relationship to each other. rilhe sliding engagement of each series of clamps 414-, 61 and 67 with its respective supporting rod 46, 62 and 68 permits the adjusting movement of the sets of buttoning instrumentalities relatively to each other without disturbing their connections with the cam 5S.

The two outside members 8 and the middle member are each supported on the rods 10 and 13. rllhe second and iii'th of these members, referring particularly to Fig. 3, and counting from the bottom, are supported on the rods 10 and 12; and in order to avoid any possibility of these members binding during their adjusting movement they are each provided with an elongated boss or hub 97 through which the supporting rod 12 extends. These hubs aii'ord a long bearing for the members 8 on the rod lll() 12, and the adjacent members 8 are recessed to admit the hubs as the members slide toward each other. Similarly, the third and sixth members 8 of the series are mounted 0n the rods ll and 13 and are provided with hubs like the hub 9? to slide on the rod 11.

From the foregoing description, the operation of the machine as a whole will now be readily understood. The operator first determines the number' of buttons that are to be buttoned on each upper and if he nds this number to be less than seven (the number of sets of operating instrumentalities in the machine) then he removes from each of the sets that are found to be unnecessary for the particular worl; at hand the button receiving hook 82, the fly engaging linger 28 and the tongs 18. He next turns the handle 96 to adjust the spacing of the sets to agree with the spacing` of the buttons and buttonholes on the work. rlhe machine is then ready for the introduction of the work and for this purpose the operator grasps an upper in both hands and presents it to the but-toning means in a substantially vertical plane, entering the several pairs of tongs 18 in the series of buttonholes with which the buttons are to be engaged. rlhe button holding portions of the tongs 18 prevent the buttonhole fly from slipping olf the tongs and the fly engaging fingers 28 limit the backward movement of the buttonholc fly on the tongs. rEhe button piece is then grasped and turned so that the row of buttons projects toward the machine and the button piece is given a downward diagonal movement toward the right to slip the button shanlrs into the openings of the button receiving hooks 82. rlhe operator next depresses the treadle 82 tripping the clutch and setting the cam 58 in motion; whereupon all the sets of operating instrumentalitics perform simultaneously the cycle of operations above described with particular reference to Figs. 4l to 14, inclusive. That is, the several pairs of tongs advance together, grasp the buttons held by the hooks 32, tip them edgewise simultaneously toward the buttonhele fly and withdraw, carrying the button heads edge foremost into their respective buttonholes; then they straighten the buttons simultaneously, and nally spread apart to release the buttons. After the buttoning operation has been completed the upper is left suspended in the worlr receiving hooks 82 and it is removed from the machine by giving it an upward diagonal movement toward the left to clear each button from its receiving hook 32 and then moving the upper downwardly out of contact with the hooks. The clutch automatically stops the machine with the parts in their initial positions ready for the presentation thereto of another upper.

Having thus described my invention,

what l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is l. ln a buttoning machine the combination of means for initially positioning a button, means for engaging the button in said positioning means, buttonhole fly enga ging means, and mechanism for relatively moving the button engaging means and the buttonhole fly engaging means to ell'ect a buttoning operation, said mechanism being constructed to cause 'the button to be tipped during said buttoning operation to present it edgewise to the buttonhole.

2. ln a buttoning machine he combination ofV means for initially positioning a button, means for engaging the button in said positioning means, buttonhole lly engaging means, and mechanism for relatively moving said button engaging and fly engaging means to effect a buttoning operation, said mechanism being constructed to impart to the button a plurality of tipping movements during the buttoning operation.

3. ln a buttoning machine the combination of button holding means movable to grasp a button, buttonhole fly engaging means, and mechanism for causing said holding means to tip the button to present it edgewise to the buttonliole and for relatively moving said button holding and buttonhole fly engaging means to complete the buttonin g operation. y

1l. ln a buttoning machine the combination of button holding means comprising a plurality of devices constructed to engage dilferent portions of a button, buttonhole lly engaging means, and mechanism for moving said devices relatively to each other to tip the button and for effecting a relative movement of said button holding and fly engaging means to complete the buttoning operation.

5. ln a buttoning machine the combination of button holding means constructed to engage a button at opposite sides of the button head, buttonhole fly engaging means, and mechanism for causing said holding means to tip the button to present it edgewise to the buttonhole and for relatively moving said button holding and fly engaging means to complete the buttoning operation.

G. ln a buttoning machine the combination of opposed button holding devices constructed to engage opposite. sides of a button head to hold the button between them, buttonhole fly engaging means, and mechanism for relatively moving said means and devices to effect a buttoning operation.

7. ln a buttoning machine the combination of work holding means constructed to hold a button and to enter and position a buttonhole, additional means to engage the buttonhole fly, and mechanism for relatively moving said work holding and fly engaging means to present the button edgewise to the buttonliole and to complete the buttoning operation.

8. In a buttoning machine the combination oi"- Work holding means constructed to support a button and to enter and position a buttonhole, buttonhole ly engaging means, and mechanism for causing said Work holding means to tip the button to present it edgewise to the buttonhole and for relatively moving said .vork holding and ily engaging means to completeV the buttoning operation.

9. In a buttonino' machine the combination or" a pair of button holding tongs constructed to engage opposite sides of a button head to hold the button between them, said tongs being constructed to enter and position a buttonhole, bnttonhole fly engaging means, and mechanism for relatively moving said means and tongs to elilect a relative passage of the button head through the buttonhole, said mechanism being constructed to move said tongs relatively to each other to tip the button to present it edgevvise to the buttonhole.

10. In a buttoning machine the combination of button holding means, bnttonhole lly engaging means, vand mechanism for relatively moving said holding and fly engaging n eans to eti-ect buttoning operation, said mechanism being constructed to tip the button to present it edgeivise to the buttonhole and to straighten the button again after it has entered the buttonhole.

l11. In a buttoning machine the combination of button holding means, buttonhole fly engaging means, and mechanism for rela tively moving said button holding and fly engaging means to effect a buttoning operation, said mechanism being constructed to cause the button to be tipped during the buttoning operation to facilitate the disposal of the edges of the buttonhole under the button head, and said fly engaging means beingV constructed to resist the drag of the button on the buttonhole iy during said buttoning operation.

12. In a buttoning machine the combination of button holding means, buttonhole fly engaging means, and mechanism for relatively moving said holding and fly engaging means to eect a buttoning operation, said mechanism being constructed to cause said holding means to tin lthe button during its relative passage through the buttonhole and to release the button after the buttoning operation has been completed.

13. In a buttoning machine the combination of a pair of button holding tongs constructed to support the head of a button betvveen there. and to enter and position a buttonhole, buttonhole fly engaging means, and mechanism for moving said tongs to cause theA tongs to Withdraw from the buttonhole and carry the button head through the buttonhole, said ily engaging means operating to support the buttonhole ily adjacent to the buttonhole during said movement of the tongs, and means for operating the tongs to cause them to release the button after the buttoning operation has been completed.

1 4. In a buttoning machine the combination of a pair of button holding tongs constructed to embrace opposite sides oli' the head of a button to hold the button between them and adapted to enter and position a buttonhole, buttonhole fly engaging means, and mechanism for relatively moving said means and tongs to Withdraw the tongs from the buttonhole and to carry the button head through the buttonhole, said mechanism being constructed to move one of the tongs ahead of the other during such relative movement to tip the button edge- Wise toward the buttonhole and thereafter to effect a further relative movement oi the tongs to straighten the button.

15. In a buttoning machine, a pair of thin, opposed tongs constructed to enter a buttonhole and having portions shaped to embrace opposite sides of a button head. to enable the tongs to hold the button between them.

16. In a buttoning machine, a pair of tongs constructed to enter a buttonhole, said tongs having shank portions adapted to position the bnttonhole and button holding portions constructed to embrace the opposite sides of a button head to hold the button between them, and means for spreading said tongs apart to enable them to receive or release the button head, the Shanks of said tongs being constructed to avoid excessive spreading of the buttonhole.

17. In a b uttouing machine, a pair of opposed tongs constructed and arranged. to engage opposite sides of a button head, said tongs being constructed also to enter a buttonhole, and each tong having an aperture of sullicient size to receive a portion of the button head to permit the tongs to hold the button in the buttoning operation without requiring excessive spreading of the material at the edges of the buttonholc.

18. In a buttoning machine, a pair of tongs of resilient material normally positioned side by side and each having an apertured portion, said portions being adapted to embrace opposite sides of a button head to hold the button between them, and means for spreading said tongs apart to enable them to receive or release the button.

19. In a buttoning machine, a pair of tongs constructed to engage opposite sides of a button head to hold the button between them, and means for relatively moving said tongs to tip the button.

20. In a buttoning machine, a pair of tongs positioned side by side and shaped to embrace opposite sides ol a button head, in-

dependent supports for said tongs mounted for movement in directions parallel With each other, and operating mechanism for moving said supports together and for moving one support relatively to the other.

21. In a buttoning machine, a pair of tongs positioned side by side and constructed to embrace opposite sides of a button head to hold a button between them, means for spreading said tongs apart to enable them to receive or release a button, and means for moving one of said tongs relatively to the other to cause the tongs to tip the button.

22. In a buttoning machine, a pair of tongs positioned side by side and constructed to engage opposite sides of a button head to hold a button between them, independent supports for said tongs mounted for movement in directions parallel with each other, a spreader arranged to engage said tongs to move them apart for receiving or releasing a button, and operating mechanism for moving said supports together and relatively to each other.

ln a buttoning machine, a pair of tongs positioned side by side and constructed to engage opposite sides of a but ton head to hold the button between them, independent supports for said tongs, a spreader positioned for engagement with said tongs, a support for said spreader, the supports for said tongs and said spreader having a telescopic engagement with each other, mechanism fon-operating said spreader support to cause the spreader to move the tongs apart, and mechanism for operating said tong supports to move the tongs to gether and also to move them relatively to each other.

2li. In a buttoning machine the combination of' a pair of tongs positioned side by side, constructed to embrace opposite sides of a button head and adapted to enter and position a buttonhole for the buttoning operation, additional means arranged to engage the buttonhole fly and cooperate With said tongs in performing the buttoning operation, independent supports for said tongs, a spreader arranged to engage said tongs, a support for said spreader, the supports for said tongs and said spreader having a telescopic engagement with each other, a cam mechanism connected With said spreader support and arranged to cause the spreader to move the tongs apart to receive or release the button, and a cam mechanism for each of said tong supports arranged to move 'the tongs together relatively to said fly engaging means and to move them relatively to each other for tipping the button during the buttoning operation.

in a buttoning machine the combination of button holding means, substantially sta ionary means for engaging a buttonhole ily adjacent to the buttonhole during the buttoning operation, and mechanism for moving said button holding means for carrying the bntton head through the buttonhele, said fly engaging means serving to resist the drag of the button on Vthe buttonhole fly during said buttoning operation.

ln a buttoning machine the combination of substantiaily stationary means for engaging a buttonhole fly adjacent to a buttonhole during the buttoning operation, opposed button holding devices extending in front of said fly engaging means When in button receiving position, said devices be ing constructed to position the buttonhole with the fiy in operative engagement with said fly engaging means, and mechanism for operating said devices to cause them to carry the button head through the buttonhole while the buttonhole fly is supported by said fly engaging means against the drag of the button.

27. ln a buttoning machine the combination of a pair of button holding tongs positioned side by side and lying in substantially a horizontal plane, said tongs being constructed to enter and position a buttonhole in a buttonhole fly When presented thereto in substantially a vertical plane, means adjacent to said tongs arranged to engage the buttonhole fly during the buttoning operation, and mechanism for relatively moving said tongs and means to perform a buttoning operation.

2S. ln a buttoning machine the combination of button receiving means constructed and located to receive a button in position for the buttoning operation When the Work 'is initially presented to the machine, and

independent buttoning means constructed to perform a buttoning operation on the Work While it is held by the receiving means.

E29. in a buttoning machine the combination of button receiving means constructed and located to receive a button in position for the buttoning operation when the Work is initially presented to the machine, and independent buttoning means constructed to perform a buttoning operation on the Work and thcnto release the Work while it is held by the receiving means.

30. ln a buttoning machine the combination of button receiving means constructed and located to receive a button in position for the buttoning operation when the Work is initially presented to the machine, and independent buttoning means arranged to perform a buttoning operation on the Work While it is held by the receiving means, said receiving means and buttoning means being mounted for relative movement toward and from each other.

31. In a buttoning machine the combination with buttoning means of ivorlr receiving means constructed and located to receive the Work with a button in position for the bnttoning,l operation when the Work 1s ini* tially presented to the machine, said Work receiving means being mounted for movethe receiving means, and means for relatively moving the receiving and buttoning means to effect an initial presentation of the Work to the bnttoning` means and to effect a discharge of the Work from the buttoning means after the buttoning operation has been completed.

33. In a bnttoning machine the combination of work receiving means adapted to position a button, buttoning means having; provision for positioning a buttonhole for the buttoning operation, and mechanism for producing a relative movement of said button'ing means and receiving' means to effect a presentation of the button to the buttoning' ,means and for operating said buttonine' means to effect a lonttoning operation with respect to said button and buttonhole While said receiving means maintains its engagement with the Work.

34e. In a buttonine machine the combination of Work receiving means adapted to position a button, buttoning' means havingJ provision for positioning a buttonhole for the buttoning' operation, mechanism tor producing a relative movement of said buttoning means and receiving means to eettct a presentation of the button to the buttoning means and for operating said buttoning' means to effect a buttoning' operation With respect to said button and buttonhole, and means for moving' said Work receiving means to carry the Work awa f from the buttoning means after the buttoning' operation .has been completed.

ln a bnttoninp; machine the combination ot buttoning' means, Work receiving' means mounted :torniovement toward and from said buttoning means, yielding means operating said bnttonina' means to cause the tongs to grasp the button While it is held by the receiving' means and to perform a buttoning operation with' respect to said button.

37. ln a buttoninp; machine the combination of means for receiving' .a button for the buttoning operation, bnttonine; means comprising' a pair ot tongs arranged to enter and position a buttonhole for the buttoninnr operation, and mechanism for operating' said buttoning' means to causo the tongs to grasp the button while it is held by the receiving means and to perform ay bnttonina operation with respect to said button.

38. ln a buttoning' machine the combination of a pair of button holding' tongs havingv shank portions adapted to enter and position a bnttonhole and additional portions constructed to hold a button head between them, buttonhole ily engaging' means, mechanism for relatively moving' said tongs and iy engaging' means to el'l'ect a buttoning operation, and button receiving' means positioned substantially in alinement with the direction of said relative movement and arranged to support the button for its initial present-ation to the tongs.

ln a buttoning machine the combination of buttoning means comprising a pair of button holding tongs and fly engaging means, a button receiving` hook positioned in front of and in alinement with said buttoning means, and mechanism for operating said bnttoning' means to cause it to grasp the bntton held by said hook and to perform a bnttoning' operation with respect to said button.

40. ln a bnttoning machine the combination of a pair of button holding tongs having shank portions adapted to enter and position a bnttonhole for the bnttonine' operation,- and having' additional portions constructed to hold a button head between them, means positioned adjacent to said tongs for engaging the buttonhole Hy to cof operate With said tongs in performing the bnttonine' operation, a button receiving hook positioned. in front of said tongs, said tongs being' mounted for movement toward and from said hook, and a support for said hook .mounted for movement in a path parallel to the direction of movement of said tongs.

Lll. ln a buttoning machine the combination of a pair of button holding' tongs lying in substantially a horizontal plane, buttonhole ily engaging' means positioned adjacent to said tongs and .arranged to coperate therewith to perform a buttoning operation, and button receiving means positioned in front of said tongs and arranged to support a button with its head in position for its presentation to said tongs.

42. ln a buttoning machine the combina- 1G il llC llcy

tion of .a horizontal series of buttoning instrumentalities, each comprising a pair oi" button holding tongs lying in substantially a horizontal plane, each of said pairs of tongs being constructed to enter and position a. buttonhole for the buttoning operation, a series of button receiving hooks positioned respectively in `iront of said pairs of tongs and each adapted to support a button for the presentation thereof to its cooperating pair of tongs, buttonhole fly enga ging means, and mechanism for operating said instrumentalities substantially simultaneously to cause each pair of tongs to grasp the button held by its cooperating hook and to perform a buttoning` operation `with respect to said button.

43. in a buttoning machine the combination of buttoning means, Work receiving means independent of said buttoning means and arranged to receive the Work in position for the buttoning operation when the Work is initially presented to the machine, said receiving and buttoning means being relatively movable to eiiect a presentation of the Work t0 the buttoning means, said receiving means being open for the introduction of the Work in a direction transverse to the direction of said relative movement, and operating mechanism for said buttoning means.

44. ln a buttoning machine the combination of buttoning means, button receiving means, said receiving and buttoning means being relatively movable to effect a presentation of the button to the buttoning means, and operating mechanism for said buttoning means, said receiving` means having an upwardly inclined opening for the reception of the button and being arranged to hold the button therein by gravity.

45. lin a buttoning machine the combination of buttoning means, button receiving means opening upwardly for the reception of the button, and operating mechanism for causing the buttoning means to engage a button held by the receiving means and to perform a buttoning operation with respect to said button.

4G. In a buttoning machine the combination of a plurality of sets of buttoning instrumentalities, each set being adapted to perform a complete buttoning operation on the Work, operating mechanism for causing said sets to perform substantially simultaneously a plurality of complete buttoning operations, lazy tongs connectingsaid sets, and means for operating said lazy tongs to adjust the spacing of said sets relatively to each other.

47. In a buttoning machine the combination of a plurality of sets of buttoning instrumentalities, each set being adapted to perform a complete buttoning operation on the Work, said sets being mounted for relative movement toward and from each other, mechanism for operating said sets substantially simultaneously, a lazy tongs mechanism h( ving its middle pivots connected respectively With said sets, and means for extending and contracting said lazy tongs mechanism to vary the spacing of said sets relatively vto each other.

48. ln a buttoning machine the combination of a series of sets of buttoning instrumentalities, each set comprising a pair of tongs, independent supports for said tongs, a spreader for said tongs and a support for said spreader, the supports for said tongs and spreader being mounted side by side i'or movement in directions parallel with each other, a member connecting the like supports of all of the said sets together for common movement, and a cam for each series of said like supports operating through the said respective connecting members to cause the tongs and spreaders of all the sets to be operated simultaneously.

49.' lin a buttoning machine the combination of a series oi sets oi buttoning instrumentalities, each set comprising a pair of tongs, independent supports for said tongs,

a spreader for said tongs and a. support for said spreader, the supports for said tongs and spreader having a telescopic engagement With each other, means connecting the like supports of all the said sets together for common movement, and a cam for operating each series of said like supports to cause the tongs and spreaders of all the sets to be operated simultaneously.

50. in a buttoning machine the combination of a plurality of sets of buttoning instrumentalities, each set being adapted to perform a complete buttoning operation on the Work, means for receiving Work provided With a plurality of buttons, said means and sets being relatively movable to eliiect a presentation of the Work to said sets, and mechanism for operating said sets substantially simultaneously, said receiving means having a plurality of openings for the reception of the buttons, said openings extending in directions substantially parallel with each other but transverse to the direction of said relative movement of the receiving and buttoning means.

51. In a buttoning machine the combination of a plurality of sets of buttoning instrumentalities, each set being adapted to perform a complete buttoning operation on the Work, button receiving means having a plurality of upwardly inclined openings for receiving the buttons, and operating mechanism for relatively moving said receiving means and said sets to effect substantially simultaneously a presentation oi the buttons to the buttoning instrumentalities and for causing said instrumentalities to perform substantiallyy simultaneously a plurality of vand arranged to engage said surfaces to buttoning operations With respect to said buttons.

52. In a buttoning machine the combination of means for performing a plurality of complete buttoning operations on Work provided With a plurality of opposed buttons and buttonholes, said means being constructed and arranged to eHect the entrance of each button edgeivise into its opposedv buttonhole, and mechanism for causing said means to perform said buttoning operations substantially simultaneously.

53. In a buttoning machine the combination of a plurality of sets of buttoning' instrumentalities, each set being adapted to perform a complete buttoning operation and comprising` buttonhole fly engaging means and button engaging means constructed to tip the button to present it edgeivise to the buttonhole in the buttoning operation, and mechanism for operating said sets substantially simultaneously.

54. In a buttoning machine the combination of a plurality of sets of buttoning'instrumentalities, each set being adapted to perform a ycomplete buttoning operation and comprising means for giving the button a plurality of tipping movements during the buttoning operation, and mechanism for operating said sets substantially simultaneously.

55. In a buttoning machine the combination of a plurality of sets of buttoning means, each set being adapted to perform a complete buttoning operation, means for initially positioning a plurality of buttons for presentation to said sets of buttoning means, and mechanism for operating all of said sets together to eifect substantially simultaneously a plurality of complete buttoning operations ivith respect to said buttons, each of said sets being constructed to tip the button during the buttoning operttion to present it edgewise yto the buttoniole.

56. In a buttoning machine, a pair of thin, opposed tongs constructed to enter a buttonhole and having portions shaped to embrace opposite sides of a button head, said tongs having shank portions overlapping each other, and means for spreading said tongs apart to enable them to receive or release the button.

57. In a buttoning machine, a pair of opposed tongs constructed to engage opposite sides of a button and normally positioned in substantially closed relation, said tongs being formed to present in their shank portions opposed converging surfaces, and a spreader movable lengthwise of the tongs open the tongs to permit them to receive or release a button.

58. In a buttoning machine, a pair of opposed tongs of resilient material constructed `to engage opposite sides of a button and arranged in normally closed relation, said tongs having shank portions that extend inwardly toward each other, and a spreader movable lengthwise of the tongs and arranged to engage said shank portions to open the tongs.

59. In a buttoning machine, a pair of opposed tongs constructed to engage opposite sides of a button head to hold the button between them, 'said tongs having substantially fiat button engaging portions formed with button receiving apertures and normally positioned close to each other in substantially parallel relation to facilitate positioning the tongs in a buttonhole prior to their engagement With a butt-on.

60. In a buttoning machine, a pair of opposed tongs constructed to engage opposite sides of a button head, a device for engaging said tongs to spread their button engaging portions, means for operating said device to spread the tongs for the reception of a button and then to release them to permit them to close upon the button, means for effecting relative movement of the tongs and the buttonhole fiy to cause the button to enter a buttonhole, and means for operating said spreading device to cause the tongs to release the button vvhen the parts of the Work are in buttoned relation.

61. In a buttoning machine, a pair of end- Wise movable tongs, means for engaging a buttonhole fly to position it vvith reference to said tongs, means for positioning a button fly with a button in line with the tongs, and means for operating the tongs to cause them to seize a button and draw it through the corresponding buttonhole.

62. In a buttoning machine, a pair of endvvise movable tongs, means for engaging a buttonhole fly to position it vvith reference to said tongs, means for positioning a button Hy with a. button in line with the tongs, and means for operating the tongs to cause them to seize a button and draw it through the corresponding buttonhole including mechanism for effecting relative movement of the tongs to cause them to tip the button during the buttoning operation.

63. A buttoning machine having, in combination, buttoning means movable to effect a buttoning operation, and Work receiving means constructed and located to receive and position a button in the path of movement of the buttoning means when the work is initially presented to the machine, said work receiving means being arranged to maintain its engagement With the Work during the buttoning operation.

64'. A buttoning machine having, in combination, a plurality of sets of operating nstrumentalities, each comprising button receiving means and buttonhole iy engaging means, and mechanism constructed and arranged to effect relative movement of the receiving means and fly engaging means of each set to cause a plurality of buttoning operations to be performed on the Work While it is held by the said receiving means.

65. A buttoning machine having, in combination, buttonhole fly engaging means, a plurality of button engaging devices, and mechanism for operating said devices to move a plurality of buttons toward said fly and cause said buttons to enter the corresponding buttonholes substantially simultaneously.

66. A buttoning machine having, in combination, buttonhole fiy engaging means, Work receiving means arranged to receive a plurality of buttons in position for buttoning operations, and buttoning means constructed and `arranged to move said buttons toward the buttonhole fly and cause the buttons to enter the corresponding buttonholes substantially simultaneously.

67. A buttoning machine comprising, in combination, Work receiving means having a plurality of upwardly directed openings for the reception of buttons, buttonhole fly engaging means, and buttoning means constructed and arranged to perform substantially simultaneously a plurality of button-- ing operations With respect to said buttons and the buttonhole fly.

68. ln a buttoning machine, the combination of buttonhole fly engaging means, button engaging means, and mechanism for moving said button engaging means in a direction transverse to the plane of the buttonhole fly to cause the button to enter a buttonhole.

69. In a buttoning machine, the combination of buttonhole fly engaging means, button engaging means, and mechanism for moving said button enga-ging means in a direction transverse to the plane of the buttonhole fly to cause thebutton to enter a buttonhole, said buttonhole fly engaging means being constructed to resist the pressure of the button on the buttonhole fly during said movement of the button.

70. lln a buttoning machine, the combination of buttonhole fly engaging means, Work receiving means arranged to present a button in a position opposite to a corresponding buttonhole in said fly, button head engaging means, and mechanism for operating said last named means to move the button toward the buttonhole fly and cause it to enter said buttonhole.

71. ln a buttoning machine, the combination of button engaging means, work receiving means having an upwardly directed opening for the reception of a button When the Work is initially presented to the machine, and mechanism for operating said button engaging means to perform a buttoning operation with respect to said button.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

LEROY FARNUM.

Witnesses:

JOHN H. MGCREADY, WILLIAM B. KING.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, ID. C.

orecons in Letters Patent No. 1,207,731a

l Itis hereby certified that in Letters Patent N o. 1,207 ,7 31, granted Deoeniber 12,

1 1916, upon the application oi' Leroy Farnuin, of Swainpseott, lvlassaohusetts, for an improvement in t Buttoning-Maohines, errors appear in the printed specification requiring correction as follovifs: Page, line 91, claim 3, after the Word button insert the Word head; page 6, line 27, claim 10, after the Word means insert the Words movable to grasp a button; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the oase in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 10th day of April, A. D., 1917..

F. W. H. CLAY, Acting Commissioner of Patents.

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